Don't be afraid, and don't believe the lies

As the debate continues, more and more misinformation continues to mislead. "We have the best health care in the world!" someone writes. The World Health Organization released a list that ranks the United States at 37th, behind Costa Rica.

What this debate really boils down to is the wedge that those in power continue to use to split up the average citizen so that the status quo remains unthreatened. It is a technique that has been used since the 1600s when the Bacon's Rebellion threatened a new strength by the lower class indentured servants made up of white and black immigrants in Virginia. When the rebellion subsided, the wealthy plantation owners decided to avoid continued attempts by granting freedom, 10 bushels of corn, some cash and small land ownership to half of the group (the whites) and keep the black immigrants as slaves with no promise of freedom... ever.

The strength of the movement was split by offering something to half of the group and enticing them to live with the status quo. It's happening again. The average citizen is being used by those who stand to gain the most from the unchallenged status quo: unregulated insurance companies, rising pharmacy costs and skyrocketing doctor fees. Of course they are threatened and want to keep things as is.

So, by introducing false information and causing fear, they divide the voice of all who believe health care is important and should be offered to all citizens. They also offer options, but I ask where were those options before? They offer small bones to appease us without changing the status quo?

We have public option schools with the option for private, public police and fire departments with the option for added private protection for whomever wants it, even public mail service with an option for private service if needed.

Don't be afraid, just be sure you're not being used as a pawn in maintaining the status quo.

Kathy McGourty

Arlington Heights